U.S. patent application number 12/903616 was filed with the patent office on 2011-04-14 for switch conversion apparatus.
Invention is credited to Daniel John Bentley, Craig T. Hofmann, John F. Kasper, Christopher Jon Lundgren, Michael Mahle, Craig Person, Mark Patrick Rau, Scott D. Reiner.
Application Number | 20110083948 12/903616 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43853959 |
Filed Date | 2011-04-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110083948 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mahle; Michael ; et
al. |
April 14, 2011 |
SWITCH CONVERSION APPARATUS
Abstract
A switch conversion apparatus including an interface device, a
mounting plate configured to mount to a toggle switch and including
at least one aperture for receiving a toggle arm of a toggle
switch, and an actuator plate configured to slidably engage the
mounting plate and including at least one aperture for receiving
and engaging a toggle arm of a toggle switch when engaged by the
interface device so as to transition the state of the switch. Other
embodiments of a switch conversion apparatus include one or more
mechanical, electrical, and/or pneumatic timers.
Inventors: |
Mahle; Michael; (Fairport,
NY) ; Rau; Mark Patrick; (Walworth, NY) ;
Bentley; Daniel John; (Rochester, NY) ; Reiner; Scott
D.; (Bergen, NY) ; Lundgren; Christopher Jon;
(Fairport, NY) ; Hofmann; Craig T.; (Fairport,
NY) ; Person; Craig; (Fairport, NY) ; Kasper;
John F.; (Farmington, NY) |
Family ID: |
43853959 |
Appl. No.: |
12/903616 |
Filed: |
October 13, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61251094 |
Oct 13, 2009 |
|
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61318997 |
Mar 30, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
200/33R ;
200/331 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01H 9/0066 20130101;
H01H 23/16 20130101; H01H 7/00 20130101; H01H 23/148 20130101; Y10T
29/49716 20150115; G04F 3/025 20130101; H01H 11/0018 20130101; H01H
3/40 20130101; H01H 23/145 20130101; H01H 2217/004 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
200/33.R ;
200/331 |
International
Class: |
G04F 3/02 20060101
G04F003/02; H01H 21/02 20060101 H01H021/02 |
Claims
1. A switch conversion apparatus, comprising: an interface device;
a mounting plate configured to mount to a toggle switch and
including at least one aperture for receiving a toggle arm of a
toggle switch; and an actuator plate configured to slidably engage
the mounting plate and including at least one aperture for
receiving and engaging a toggle arm of a toggle switch when engaged
by the interface device so as to transition the state of the
switch.
2. The switch conversion apparatus of claim 1 further including: a
cover configured to attach to the mounting plate and further
configured to rotatably mount the interface device; wherein the
interface device is a paddle including a curved surface and a
plurality of sector gear teeth disposed proximate the curved
surface; wherein the actuator plate includes a plurality of rack
gear teeth configured to engage the plurality of sector gear teeth;
and wherein the mounting plate includes at least one channel for
slidably receiving at least a portion of the actuator plate.
3. The switch conversion apparatus of claim 1 further including: a
cover configured to attach to the mounting plate and further
configured to rotatably mount the interface device; a lever
including a first end and a second end wherein the lever is
attached to the interface device at the first end and wherein the
lever is rotatably attached to the actuator plate at a second end;
and wherein the mounting plate includes at least one channel for
slidably receiving at least a portion of the actuator plate.
4. The switch conversion apparatus of claim 3 further including: a
gear assembly including at least one gear; a timer including at
least one gear configured to wind the timer wherein the at least
one timer gear is configured to engage the at least one gear of the
gear assembly; and wherein the interface device is a paddle
including a curved surface and a plurality of sector gear teeth
disposed proximate the curved surface and configured to engage the
at least one gear of the gear assembly.
5. The switch conversion apparatus of claim 4 further including: a
second aperture disposed in the actuator plate; and a latch pin
configured to communicate with the timer wherein the latch pin is
biased toward the actuator plate so as to maintain the actuator
plate position upon alignment with the second aperture.
6. The switch conversion apparatus of claim 5 wherein the timer is
configured to bias the latch pin away from the actuator plate upon
expiration.
7. The switch conversion apparatus of claim 6 wherein the lever is
attached to the interface device at the first end by a hinge and
wherein successive rotation of the paddle is configured to further
wind the timer.
8. The switch conversion apparatus of claim 1 further including: a
cover configured to attach to the mounting plate and further
configured to rotatably mount the interface device; a gear train
disposed proximate the actuator plate; a gear assembly including at
least one gear configured to engage the gear train and wherein the
interface device is configured to engage the at least one gear of
the gear assembly when rotated; and wherein the actuator plate is
engaged by the interface device by rotation of the at least one
gear of the gear assembly.
9. The switch conversion apparatus of claim 8 further including: a
spring disposed at one end of the gear train and configured to
communicate with the actuator plate; and a spring retainer attached
to the mounting plate and configured compress the spring when the
spring is engaged by the gear train
10. The switch conversion apparatus of claim 9 further including: a
timer including at least one gear configured to wind the timer
wherein the at least one timer gear is configured to engage at
least one of the at least one gear of the gear assembly and the
gear train; and a latch rotatably attached to the mounting plate at
a first end and attached to the timer at a second end wherein the
latch is biased toward the actuator plate so as to selectively
retain the actuator plate; and wherein the timer is configured to
bias the latch pin away from the actuator plate upon
expiration.
11. The switch conversion apparatus of claim 1 further including: a
linkage and a release linkage configured to communicate with the
interface device; an over-center spring configured to engage the
actuator plate at a first end; a return spring configured to engage
the actuator plate at a second end; and wherein the interface
device is configured to engage the actuator plate by communicating
with the linkage and return linkage to engage the over-center and
return springs thereby biasing the actuator plate.
12. The switch conversion apparatus of claim 11 further including:
a latch configured to engage the actuator plate so as to
selectively maintain the position of the actuator plate; a release
actuator configured to communicate with the latch so as to
disengage the latch from the actuator plate; an electronic timer
having an interval and configured to energize the release actuator
upon expiration; and a power supply disposed proximate the timer
and configured to electrically communicate with the timer.
13. The switch conversion apparatus of claim 12 further including:
a housing configured to attach to the mounting plate; a cover
configured to attach to at least one of the housing and the
mounting plate; a timer interface attached to the cover and in
electrical communication with the timer wherein the timer interface
is configured to selectively set the timer interval and wherein the
timer interface is selected from the group consisting of one or
more buttons, one or more keys, one or more sliders, and one or
more touchscreens.
14. The switch conversion apparatus of claim 13 wherein the power
supply is a rechargeable battery and wherein the cover is further
configured to mount a photovoltaic panel configured to electrically
communicate with the rechargeable battery.
15. The switch conversion apparatus of claim 1 further including: a
cover configured to attach to the mounting plate and further
configured to rotatably mount the interface device; wherein the
interface device includes a lever portion configured to engage the
actuator plate upon rotation of the interface device; and wherein
the mounting plate includes at least one channel for slidably
receiving at least a portion of the actuator plate.
16. The switch conversion apparatus of claim 15 further including:
a gear assembly including at least one gear; a gear train having a
first end and a second end and including a piston disposed toward
the first end and an arm extending toward the actuator plate and
disposed between the second end and the piston and wherein the
second end is configured to communicate with the at least one gear
of the gear assembly; a spring configured to be engaged by the
piston; a cylinder configured to receive at least the piston and
the spring and further including at least one valve; a pawl
rotatably attached to the arm wherein the pawl is configured to be
biased toward the actuator plate so as to engage at least a portion
of the actuator plate upon alignment and wherein the pawl is
further configured to selectively disengage the actuator plate upon
decompression of the spring; and wherein the interface device
further includes a curved surface and a plurality of sector gear
teeth disposed proximate the curved surface wherein the sector gear
teeth are configured to engage the at least one gear of the gear
assembly upon rotation of the interface device.
17. The switch conversion apparatus of claim 1 further including: a
pneumatic timer including a cylinder, a piston, at least one valve,
and a timer interface configured to communicate with the piston; a
yoke attached to the actuator plate; wherein the interface device
is a slider and is further configured to engage the timer interface
so as to displace the piston and the yoke so as to displace the
actuator plate.
18. The switch conversion apparatus of claim 1 further including: a
link configured to communicate with the user interface device; a
yoke configured to communicate with the link and the actuator
plate; a pulley including a cable having a first end and a second
end wherein the cable is attached at the first end to at least one
of the slider, yoke, link, and actuator plate; a cylinder including
a first end and a second end and further including at least one
valve disposed toward the first end; a piston disposed in the
cylinder and configured to attach to the second end of the cable; a
spring retainer disposed at the second end of the cylinder; and a
spring disposed in the cylinder and between the piston and the
spring retainer.
19. A switch conversion apparatus, comprising: at least one
interface device selected from the group consisting of a paddle, a
panel, a bar, a rocker, and a slider; a cover configured to mount
the interface device and further configured to attached to the
mounting plate; a mounting plate including at least one channel; an
actuator plate configured to slidably engage the mounting plate at
the at least one channel; timer means configured to communicate
with the at least one interface device and further configured to
selectively displace the actuator plate in the at least one
channel.
20. A method of converting a toggle switch, comprising: attaching
to a toggle switch a mounting plate including at least one channel
and further including an actuator plate slidably coupled to the
mounting plate at the at least one channel; attaching to the
mounting plate a cover including at least one interface device
mounted thereon; and wherein the interface device is configured to
communicate with the actuator plate so as to slide the actuator
plate in the at least one channel thereby selectively transition
the state of the toggle switch.
Description
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/251,094, filed Oct. 13, 2009, entitled "Switch
Conversion with Timer Mechanism" and U.S. Provisional Application
No. 61/318,997, filed Mar. 30, 2010, entitled "Rocker Switch
Conversion."
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to mechanical, mountable
apparatus for easily converting a switch, such as a standard and
commonly-used toggle switch for lights or fans, for example, into a
rocker, bar, paddle, panel, or flat switch, for example, without
removal of the existing switch assembly. The invention also relates
to switch conversion apparatus with mechanical, pneumatic, and
electrical timer means for selectively transitioning the switch
state.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Increasingly, consumers are choosing devices and products
for the home and workplace that not only provide standard,
functional operation, but are also aesthetically pleasing,
environmentally conservative, socially responsible, and universally
accessible. Such devices and products are generally more
attractive, energy-saving, cost-reducing,
environmentally-conscious, and barrier-free. Such products that
meet many or all of these consumer desires are increasingly favored
in the marketplace.
[0004] Though such energy-friendly and/or universally accessible,
such as Americans with Disabilities Act ("ADA")-compliant, products
are often objectively superior, barriers often include cost, ease
of use, and simplicity of installation. For example, standard
toggle switches are found in the majority of residential and
commercial settings but are not ADA-compliant and suffer from the
common problem of forgetting to turn off the switch thereby wasting
energy and other resources.
[0005] Although lifestyle trends illustrate a growing preference
for the use of rocker, flat panel, and other universally accessible
switches, rather than the commonly-used toggle switch, installation
is a substantial deterrent to many consumers as they lack the
ability to safely, and correctly, remove an existing toggle switch
and install a rocker or flat panel switch and therefore require the
services of an electrician thereby increasing installation cost.
Even for electricians trained in such electrical systems, the time
required to replace a standard toggle switch, particularly in high
volume, is a substantial deterrent to replacement and
conversion.
[0006] Moreover, failure to turn off a bathroom fan or bedroom
light, for example, when leaving a room is a common problem
resulting in a waste of energy, shortening of the lifespan of the
electrical device requiring earlier replacement, and a rise in
utility costs. Timer devices, particularly those used in
conjunction with a light or fan switch, provide an effective method
of eliminating unnecessary energy usage. By automatically and/or
selectively turning off a switch which has unintentionally been
left on, energy usage is reduced and utility costs are lowered.
However, energy-saving switches generally require communication
with a motion-detection system, at a substantial cost to the
consumer, or require replacement of an existing switch with an
entire switch apparatus, including electrical components such as
widely-available electrical timer-based bathroom fans, thereby
suffering from the same deficiencies noted above including
increased cost and inconvenience, among others.
[0007] Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an easy to
install, safe, convenient, and cost-effective method and apparatus
for replacing an existing switch with a universally accessible,
energy efficient switch.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The present invention is disclosed with reference to the
accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0009] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an exemplary toggle switch
conversion apparatus according to one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of exemplary operation of a toggle
switch conversion apparatus according to one embodiment of the
present invention;
[0011] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of an exemplary toggle switch
conversion apparatus according to one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0012] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of an exemplary toggle switch
conversion apparatus with mechanical timer according to one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of an exemplary toggle switch
conversion apparatus with mechanical timer according to one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of an exemplary toggle switch
conversion apparatus with electrical timer according to one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of an exemplary toggle switch
conversion apparatus with pneumatic timer according to one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of an exemplary toggle switch
conversion apparatus with pneumatic timer according to one
embodiment of the present invention; and
[0017] FIG. 9 is an exploded view of an exemplary toggle switch
conversion apparatus with pneumatic timer according to one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] It will be appreciated that for purposes of clarity and
where deemed appropriate, reference numerals have been repeated in
the figures to indicate corresponding features.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] Referring to FIG. 1, an exploded view of one embodiment of a
switch conversion apparatus 100 for converting a toggle switch 113
is shown as including a mounting plate 115, an actuator plate 105,
a paddle 101, and a cover 112. The mounting plate 115 is configured
to attach to a standard toggle switch 113 such as at holes 103 such
as by screws 116, or any other means of attachment, and so as to
receive a toggle arm 119 at an aperture 104. The actuator plate 105
is configured to slidably engage the mounting plate 115 at one or
more channels 106 and is further configured to receive and engage
toggle arm 119 through aperture 107. The actuator plate 105 further
includes a plurality of rack gear teeth 118 as shown in the
exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 as two sets of rack gear teeth 118a,
118b disposed on opposing sides of actuator plate 105. However, any
number of rack gear teeth 118 can be disposed on any portion of the
surface of actuator plate 105. The paddle 101 includes at least one
curved surface including a plurality of sector gear teeth 120
configured to engage one or more of the rack gear teeth 118 of the
actuator plate 105 when rotated about pivot point 108. The paddle
101 can be a panel, flat, and/or rocker, for example. The paddle
101 further includes a cavity (not shown) adjacent the at least one
curved surface 120 and configured to receive the toggle arm 119.
The paddle 101 is configured to rotatably engage the cover 112 at
pivot point 108. The cover 112 is configured to attach to mounting
plate 115 such as by snapping, clipping, adhesive, screw(s),
magnet(s), or any other means of attachment.
[0020] In operation, upon user interaction with the paddle 101, the
paddle 101 rotatably engaged the cover 112 so as to rotate about
pivot point 108 thereby engaging sector gear teeth 120 and rack
gear teeth 118 so as to convert the rotational motion of the paddle
101 into translational motion of the actuator plate 105 along
channel(s) 106 in mounting plate 115. As actuator plate 105 moves,
aperture 107 engages toggle arm 119 thereby transitioning the state
of the switch 113. Accordingly, the exemplary toggle switch
conversion apparatus is a simple, easy to install, low cost,
non-electrical apparatus for converting a reduced-accessibility
toggle switch into a universally accessible and compliant paddle,
rocker, flat, or panel switch, for example.
[0021] Referring to FIG. 2, a flow diagram of exemplary operation
of installation and use of a toggle switch conversion apparatus
according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. In
the first step 221, a standard toggle switch 213, face plate 214,
and attachment screws 216 are shown as exemplary of an existing
toggle switch and face plate as could be mounted to a wall (not
shown), for example. In the second step 222, the face plate 214 is
removed at screws 216. In the third step 223, a mounting plate 215
is attached to toggle switch 213 such as by screws 216. Slidably
engaging mounting plate 215 at one or more channels 206 is an
actuator plate 205. In the fourth step 224, the mounting plate 215
and actuator plate 205 are disposed such that toggle arm 219
extends through aperture 204 in the mounting plate 215 and aperture
207 in the actuator plate 205. A cover 212 and paddle 201 are
attached to mounting plate 215 such as by a snap fit of the cover
212 to a perimeter portion of the mounting plate 215, for example.
In steps 5, 225, 6, 226, and 7, 227, the paddle 201 is pressed at a
top portion and at a bottom portion, respectively, so as to
transition the state of the switch 213 from off to on and off
again, respectively, as shown.
[0022] Referring to FIG. 3, an exemplary toggle switch conversion
apparatus 300 according to one embodiment of the present invention
is shown as including a mounting plate 315 configured to slidably
engage an actuator plate 305 at one or more actuator plate 305
slots 306. The mounting plate 315 further includes an aperture 304
for receiving a toggle arm 319 and the actuator plate 305 includes
an aperture 307 for receiving and engaging the toggle arm 319.
Switch bar 301 is configured to engage linkage 302 upon user
interaction with the switch bar 301. The linkage 302 is configured
to engage the actuator plate 305 such as at shaft 350, for example,
and, upon translational movement of actuator plate 305, over-center
spring 309 is expanded and toggle arm 319 is engaged by actuator
plate 305 at aperture 307 thereby transitioning switch 313. In
order to transition the state of the switch 313, the user can
engage the switch bar 301 to engage linkage 302 thereby moving the
actuator plate 305 by compression of over-center spring 309.
[0023] Referring to FIG. 4, an exemplary toggle switch conversion
apparatus 400 according to one embodiment of the present invention
is shown as including a mechanical timer 409 and associated
mechanism as described in detail below. Switch conversion apparatus
400 includes a mounting plate 415 configured to mount to a standard
toggle switch 413 such as by screws 416 wherein the mounting plate
415 includes at least one channel 406 configured to slidably engage
an actuator plate 405. Mounting plate 415 further includes an
aperture 404 for receiving toggle arm 419 and actuator plate 405
further includes an aperture 407 for receiving and engaging toggle
arm 419. A lever 403 is configured to engage actuator plate 405 at
a pivot 410 and is further configured to communicate with paddle
401 at hinge 435 such that user interaction with paddle 401 causes
lever 403 to rotate about pivot 410 thereby converting the
rotational motion of the lever 303 into translational motion of the
actuator plate 405 along one or more channels 406 of the mounting
plate 415.
[0024] The paddle 401 of switch conversion apparatus 400 further
includes a curved surface including a plurality of sector gear
teeth 420 configured to engage a gear assembly 402 at one or more
gears 430. The gear assembly 402 further includes a one-way clutch.
The one or more gear(s) 430 is configured to engage mechanical
timer 409, such as a spring-based wind timer as is known in the
art, at a gear 432 having a plurality of teeth 433. A latch pin 414
is disposed adjacent the timer 409 and the latch pin 414 can
include a spring for biasing the pin against actuator plate 405 and
specifically configured to engage actuator plate 405 at aperture
434 upon alignment of the latch pin 414 and the aperture 434.
[0025] Accordingly, in one exemplary operation of switch conversion
apparatus 400, upon user interaction with paddle 401, the paddle
401 rotatably engages cover 412 thereby rotating about pivot 408
and thereby communicating with lever 403 at hinge 435 to rotatably
engage actuator plate 405 at pivot 410 thereby causing the actuator
plate 405 to move along one or more channels 406 of mounting plate
415 such that latch pin 414 engages the actuator plate 405 at
aperture 434. Moreover, rotation of the paddle 401 about pivot 408
causes sector gear teeth 420 to rotatably engage one or more gears
430 of the gear assembly 402 which then rotatably engages gear
teeth 433 of gear 432 of the timer 409 thereby winding the timer
409. Due to the one-way clutch of the gear assembly 402, successive
user interaction with the paddle 401 will continue to wind the
timer 409 in the same manner as lever 403 will rotate about hinge
435 and pivot 410 but will not move actuator plate 405 due to
engagement of the latch pin 414 with the actuator plate 405 at
aperture 434. Accordingly, the user can determine the amount of
time the switch 413 will be in one state, generally an "on" state,
based on a multiplier of the manufacturer's predetermined timer 409
wind interval. Upon expiration of timer 409, the timer 409 is
configured to bias latch pin 414 away from aperture 434, such as by
compression of a spring (not shown) attached to latch pin 414,
resulting in translational motion of the actuator plate 405 along
one or more channels 406 in mounting plate 415 and engagement with
toggle arm 419 thereby transitioning the state of switch 413.
[0026] Referring to FIG. 5, an exemplary toggle switch conversion
apparatus 500 according to one embodiment of the present invention
is shown as including a mounting plate 515 configured to mount to a
toggle switch 513 and including at least one channel 506 for
slidably mounting an actuator plate 505. The mounting plate 515
further includes an aperture 504 for receiving a toggle arm 519 and
the actuator plate 505 includes an aperture 507 for receiving and
engaging a toggle arm 519 of the toggle switch 513. Disposed
proximate the mounting plate 515 is a gear assembly 554 including
one or more gears 544, 548 configured to engage a gear train 546
slidably attached to mounting plate 515. The gear assembly 554 is
optionally attached by one or more side plates 556 attached to
mounting plate 515 and optionally includes spindles, rods, and/or
cylinders configured to mount one or more gears 548. The switch
conversion apparatus 500 further includes a switch bar 501
including pivot 508 and at least one extension portion 542, shown
in FIG. 5 as angular in shape, configured to engage gear 544 such
as at one or more shafts 562, wherein the gear 544 can engage the
gear train 546 directly or, alternatively, indirectly by engaging
gear(s) 548. Disposed proximate one end of the gear train 546 is a
spring 540 and disposed proximate the spring 540 at a first end is
a stationary retainer 550 attached to the mounting plate 515 and
configured to cause compression of the spring 540 when the spring
540 is engaged by the gear train 548, and/or the actuator plate
505, at a second end of the spring 540. In one embodiment, the gear
train 546 is attached to the actuator plate 505. In another
embodiment, the actuator plate 505 is retained in channels 506 by
spring 550 and moves in one or more channels 506 upon compression
of the spring 540 by the gear train 546. Upon translational motion
of the actuator plate 505 in channels 506, a latch 514, attached to
the mounting plate 515 at a pivot 558 and so as to be biased toward
the actuator plate 505, is configured to engage the actuator plate
505 thereby substantially maintaining its position and, thereby,
compression of the spring 550.
[0027] The switch conversion apparatus 500 further includes a
mechanical timer 516 including a gear 560 configured to engage at
least one of the gear train 546 or one or more gears 548 of the
gear assembly 554 so as to wind the timer 516 as is known in the
art. Upon expiration, the timer 516 is configured to engage the
latch 558 so as to release the actuator plate 505 thereby
decompressing the spring 540, engaging toggle arm 519 at aperture
507 so as to transition switch 513, and reversing the prior
rotation of at least gear 544 thereby rotating switch bar 501 about
pivot 508. The switch conversion apparatus 500 further includes a
cover housing 511 configured to mount to the mounting plate 515 and
a cover 512 configured to mount to the cover housing 511 wherein
switch bar 501 is configured to rotatably engage, at pivot 508, at
least one of the housing 511 and the cover 512.
[0028] Accordingly, in one exemplary operation of switch conversion
apparatus 500, upon user interaction with switch bar 501, the
switch bar 501 rotatably engages cover 512 at pivot 508 thereby
engaging gear assembly 554 at one or more shafts 562 of gear 544
causing rotational motion of gear 544 which is converted to
translational motion of gear train 546. Upon engagement by gear
544, the gear train rotatably engages gear 560 of timer 516 so as
to wind timer 516 and the gear train 544 further engages the spring
540 thereby causing the spring 540 to compress. As spring 540
compresses, actuator plate 505 moves in channels 506 in mounting
plate 515 at least until it comes to a rest state as maintained by
latch 514. As actuator plate 505 moves, toggle arm 519 is engaged
by aperture 507 thereby transitioning switch 513. Upon expiration
of the timer 516, the timer 516 rotatably biases the latch 514
about pivot 558 thereby releasing the actuator plate 505 which is
then moved in channels 506 of mounting plate 515 due to
decompression of spring 540. As actuator plate 505 moves in
channels 506 of mounting plate 515, the toggle arm 519 is engaged
by aperture 507 in the actuator plate 505 thereby transitioning
switch 513. Further, the timer 516 can be manually overridden by
user engagement with the switch bar 501 thereby disengaging latch
514. Upon disengagement of latch 514, the return spring 540 engaged
actuator plate 505 which engages toggle arm 519 thereby
transitioning the state of switch 513.
[0029] Referring to FIG. 6, an exemplary toggle switch conversion
apparatus 600 according to one embodiment of the present invention
is shown as including a mounting plate 615 configured to slidably
engage an actuator plate 605 at one or more channels 606. The
mounting plate 615 further includes an aperture 604 for receiving a
toggle arm 619 and the actuator plate 605 includes an aperture 607
for receiving and engaging the toggle arm 619. Switch bar 601 is
configured to engage linkage 602 upon user interaction with the
switch bar 601. The linkage 602 is configured to engage the
actuator plate 605 such as at shaft 650, for example, and, upon
translational movement of actuator plate 605, over-center spring
609 is expanded, return spring 604 is compressed, and toggle arm
619 is engaged by actuator plate 605 at aperture 607 thereby
transitioning switch 613. Further, upon translational movement of
actuator plate 605, a latch 614 is configured to engage the
actuator plate 605 so as to maintain the position of the actuator
plate 605 toward one end of the one or more channels 606.
[0030] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the switch
conversion apparatus 600 includes an electronic timer 616 and timer
interface 654 for selectively setting the timer 616 interval. Timer
interface 654 can be one or more buttons, a keypad, a touchscreen
or any other user interface configured to communicate a time
interval to the timer 616. The timer 616 is optionally mounted to a
cover 612. A power supply 613, such as a conventional or
rechargeable battery, is disposed proximate the timer 616 and
configured to electrically communicate with the timer 616. The
power supply is optionally covered by power supply cover 620
configured to engage switch bar 601. Upon expiration, the timer 616
is further configured to energize a release actuator 608 attached
to release linkage 660 and configured to engage the latch 614
thereby disengaging latch 614 from actuator plate 605 so as to
release actuator plate 605 and compress over-center spring 609
thereby biasing the actuator plate in the one or more channels 606
thereby engaging toggle arm 619 at aperture 607 and transitioning
switch 613. A housing 611 is configured to attach to mounting plate
615 and engage cover 612 thereby substantially maintaining the
position of at least switch bar 601. Optionally, a photovoltaic
panel 652 is disposed on the exterior portion of cover 612 wherein
the photovoltaic panel 652 is configured to communicate with and
recharge the power supply 613. Further, the timer 616 can be
manually overridden by user engagement with the switch bar 601.
[0031] Referring to FIG. 7, an exemplary toggle switch conversion
apparatus 700 according to one embodiment of the present invention
is shown as including a mounting plate 715 configured to slidably
engage an actuator plate 705 at one or more channels 706. The
mounting plate 715 further includes an aperture 704 for receiving a
toggle arm 719 and the actuator plate 705 includes an aperture 707
for receiving and engaging the toggle arm 719. Switch conversion
apparatus 700 further includes a paddle 701 having a curved surface
including a plurality of sector gear teeth 720 and a lever 703. The
plurality of sector gear teeth 720 are configured to engage gear
assembly 702 at one or more gears 730 disposed at a first end of
the gear assembly 702 thereby rotating rod 732 of the gear assembly
702 which is attached to at least one gear 734 at a second end of
the gear assembly 702. The gear 734 is configured to engage a gear
train 721 attached to a piston 717 disposed inside cylinder 772.
Disposed toward a top portion of the cylinder 717 is a check valve
709 and an orifice valve 710. Disposed proximate the piston 717 and
the cylinder is a spring 712. Attached to one end of the gear train
721 is an arm 711 attached to a pawl 770 at a pivot 768 wherein the
pawl 770 is configured to be biased toward and engage the actuator
plate such as at a recessed portion 760. Paddle 701 is configured
to rotatably engaged cover 712 and cover 712 is configured to
attach to mounting plate 715, for example.
[0032] Accordingly, in one exemplary operation of switch conversion
apparatus 700, upon user interaction with the paddle 701, the
paddle 701 rotatably engages the cover 712 at pivot 708 thereby
engaging actuator plate 705 with lever 703 such that actuator plate
705 moves in channels 706 of mounting plate 715 so as to latch with
biased pawl 770 such as at recessed portion 760. Upon movement of
actuator plate 705 in channels 706 of mounting plate 715, toggle
arm 719 is engaged by actuator plate 705 at aperture 707 thereby
transitioning switch 713.
[0033] Further, the rotational motion of paddle 701 causes sector
gear teeth 720 to engage gear 730 which rotates gear 734 by rod
732. Gear 734 then converts the rotational motion into
translational motion of piston 717 by engaging gear train 721
attached to piston 717. Piston 717 then compresses spring 712 in
cylinder 772 forcing air to exit check valve 709. As orifice valve
710 gradually receives air into the cylinder, spring 712 gradually
expands thereby moving piston 717 and attached arm 711 until pawl
772 rotates about pivot 768 thereby releasing actuator plate 705
which moves along channels 706 in mounting plate 715 thereby
engaging toggle arm 719 at aperture 707 and transitioning switch
713.
[0034] The time interval between transitions of switch 713 is at
least partially dependent on the spring constant of spring 712 and
therefore can be increased or decreased by selecting a spring 712
with lower or higher spring constant, respectively. The time
interval between transitions of switch 713 can be further modified
based on the size of check valve 709 and/or orifice valve 710 such
that a larger check valve 709 and/or orifice valve 710 will
decrease the time interval and a smaller check valve 709 and/or
orifice valve 710 will increase the time interval. Further, the
time interval between transitions of switch 713 can also be
increased or decreased by modifying one or more cylinder dimensions
such as length and width/diameter/circumference, for example. The
switch conversion apparatus 700 as shown in FIG. 7 is further
configured such that successive user interaction with paddle 701,
while actuator plate 705 is latched by pawl 770, will further
compress spring 712 thereby resetting the time interval and/or
adding additional time before release of the actuator plate 705 and
subsequent transition of switch 713.
[0035] Referring to FIG. 8, an exemplary toggle switch conversion
apparatus 800 according to one embodiment of the present invention
is shown as including a housing 811, configured to attach to a
toggle switch 813, a mounting plate 815, and an actuator plate 805
configured to slidably engage the mounting plate 815 such as at one
or more channels or channels 806, for example. Each of the housing
811, mounting plate 815, and actuator plate 805 includes an
aperture, 802, 804, 807, respectively, configured to receive toggle
arm 819 wherein the aperture 807 is further configured to engage
toggle arm 819 in operation. Switch conversion apparatus 800
further includes a pneumatic timer 816 including a cylinder,
piston, one or more valves, and timer interface 870. User
interaction with slider 801 so as to move slider 801 vertically, as
in the example switch conversion apparatus 800 shown, engages timer
interface 870 so as to cause corresponding translational movement
thereby displacing a piston (not shown) as well as engaging yoke
874, attached to actuator plate 805, so as to cause corresponding
translational movement of actuator plate 805 along one or more
channels 806 in mounting plate 815 thereby engaging toggle arm 819
so as to transition switch 813. Timer interface 870 is configured
to reverse its translational movement as air is received through
orifice valve (not shown) in cylinder of timer 816 thereby
displaying piston (not shown) and timer interface 870 which, when
moved, causes a corresponding translational movement of yoke 874
thereby reversing the translational motion of the actuator plate
805 in channel 806 of mounting plate 815 wherein the actuator plate
805 engages toggle arm 819 at aperture 807 thereby transitioning
switch 813. The timer 816 interval is selectable based on travel
distance of slider 801, and corresponding travel of time interface
870 and piston (not shown), as well as timer 816 valve (not shown)
size, and cylinder 816 dimensions, among other means of selection.
The switch conversion apparatus 800 further includes a cover 812
which is configured to engage at least one of mounting plate 815
and housing 811 wherein slider 801 is configured to slidably engage
the cover 812.
[0036] Referring to FIG. 9, an exemplary toggle switch conversion
apparatus 900 according to one embodiment of the present invention
is shown as including at least one housing and/or mounting plate
911, 915 configured to attach to a toggle switch 913, and an
actuator plate 905. The housing 911 further includes an aperture
904 for receiving a toggle arm 919 and the actuator plate 905
includes an aperture 907 for receiving and engaging the toggle arm
919. Switch conversion apparatus 900 further includes a slider 901,
mounted to slide base 902 and configured to extend through channel
916 in cover 912, and a link 931 configured to slidably engage the
slide base 902 and attach to the slider 901. At least a portion of
the link 931 is configured to engage a yoke 903 attached to
actuator plate 905 thereby causing a translational movement of the
actuator plate 905 corresponding to that of the slider 901 such
that actuator plate 905 engages toggle arm 919 at aperture 907
thereby transitioning the state of the switch 913. Further, a cable
932 attached to pulley 909 is configured to attached at a first end
to one of link 931, yoke 903 and/or actuator plate 905 and at a
second end to a piston 906 by extending through a retainer 933 in a
cylinder 909. The cylinder 908 includes at least one valve (not
shown). Disposed inside the cylinder and between retainer 933 and
piston 906 is a spring 907. Accordingly, upon movement of at least
one of the slider 901, link 931, yoke 903, and retainer plate 905,
the cable 932 of pulley 909 moves piston 906 in cylinder 908
thereby compressing spring 990. As air exits the one or more valves
(not shown) of the cylinder 908, the spring 990 decompresses and
the piston 906 moves thereby pulling cable 932 of pulley 909 so as
to move at least one of slider 901, link 931, yoke 903, and
actuator plate 905 such that aperture 907 of actuator plate 905
engages toggle arm 919 thereby transitioning the state of the
switch 913. Optionally disposed on at least one of slider 901,
rocker arm 902, and cover 912 is one or more markings indicating
the timer interval based on the distance traveled by the slider and
corresponding distance traveled by the piston 906, among other
apparatus components. The time interval between transitions of
switch 913 is selectable based on at least one of the spring
constant of spring 990, the size of the valves (not shown) of
cylinder 908, one or more cylinder dimensions, and tensile strength
of cable 932, among other means of selection. The switch 913 state
can be transitioned manually by user interaction with the slider
accelerating the decompression of the spring 990, movement of the
piston 906, and translational movement of the actuator plate
905.
[0037] The above-described exemplary embodiments allow for a
simple, cost-effective method of converting a switch to a
universally acceptable switch without requiring interaction with
the electrical system connected to the existing switch. Further
embodiments are disclosed that provide energy-efficient switch
conversion apparatus wherein installation is also possible without
interaction with the electrical system connected to the existing
switch. While several embodiments are described above with respect
to the apparatus components, any arrangement of mounting brackets,
mounting plates, wall plates, covers, and housings can be
configured to retain the apparatus components. Further, all switch
conversion apparatus described herein can be installed in a gang
switch or cluster arrangement of a plurality of switches whether
one or more switches are converted or of the existing/traditional
type.
[0038] While the principles of the invention have been described
herein, it is to be understood by those skilled in the art that
this description is made only by way of example and not as a
limitation as to the scope of the invention. For example, although
the traditional/standard toggle switch was used in the exemplary
embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-9, the converted switch can be a
rocker, panel, bar, or paddle, for example. Where a rocker switch
is converted to a rocker switch with timer, the new rocker
interface device can be configured to engage the pre-installed
rocker interface device when pressed at a top and bottom portion
such as by direct engagement or communication with a pivotably
attached actuator plate. The new rocker can also initiate a timer
mechanism, such as those described herein, so as to rotate the new
rocker interface device, or other associated actuator plate,
thereby engaging the pre-installed rocker switch to transition its
state. Other embodiments including permutations of interface
devices, converted switches, and timer devices are contemplated.
Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art
are considered to be within the scope of the present invention,
which is not to be limited except by the following claims.
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